Missing checks deemed to be 'illegal activity'

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HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS — An investigation of missing checks at the Grand County building department involved “illegal activity” and a person who did “something criminal.”

According to minutes from a special board of county commissioners meeting on Jan. 6, the commissioners spoke with Chief Building Official Scott Pension during an executive session about the ongoing investigation.

Following the executive session, commissioners noted Penson was not part of the illegal activities, but should have been aware of them.

“Mr. Penson did not do anything criminal. There was a person in the department that has done something criminal. The Board would like to see that person punished,” said Commissioner James Newberry, according to meeting minutes.

Penson will be allowed to continue working as the building department head, but according to the minutes, he will be on probation.

Comments from Commissioner Gary Bumgarner implied cash had been taken out of the department’s till.

Grand County Manager Lurline Underbrink-Curran told county officials the county sheriff is hoping to re-interview someone regarding the investigation, but was having difficulty getting a hold of that person.

The manager recently confirmed an employee in the building department has been “released,” but said it was for reasons not directly related to the illegal activity.

The Sky-Hi attempted to contact Sheriff Rod Johnson, but calls were not immediately returned. Charges have yet to be filed relating to the investigation. Underbrink-Curran said she expects the sheriff to issue a statement on the case by next week.